I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas

We made 75 Christmas cards for a nursing home next door.  We thought it was a great idea when we began and we had some pretty cool looking cards because there are artists among us but we all got pretty tired after trying to be creative but in bulk.  We were happy when it was all done and the cards were delivered.   This is our chapel/ all purpose room.  It is within 25 min. walking distance of our apartment. 

Merry Christensen ...I had to correct a few cards because that is what I wrote!

We walked home on Christmas Eve from having dinner with the missionaries. 

One part of walking home goes through a single dwelling neighborhood on a narrow, dark street. This picture is an after thought as I missed a great opportunity to snap a picture of Santa ringing her bell outside the gate of one of the houses.  We quietly walked by as we heard the door open and sounds of surprise came out of the house.  It was a grandma Santa with a pack of presents slung over her back.  

Earlier in the day we saw carolers (youth) with musical triangles.  They ring the triangle and sing a carol to people out and people at doors and then wait until you give them money or candy.  They wear Santa hats or reindeer headbands, etc.  That's all I know....and that you had better have money on you come Dec. 31st when they do it again. 

Church up the Hill 

The bells are the best on Christmas.  They ring throughout the day.  They sound beautiful. 

I wish we would go to church on Christmas every year and not just when it lands on Sunday.  It was a quiet day for us and we had a lovely evening with our branch president's family and friends.  Their family put on a Christmas recital.  That was awesome. That is Christmas to me. We got to visit with most of our family on Zoom that night .  That is amazing to me.  It is so nice to see their faces and their excitement for all the surprises of the day.  

The day after Christmas we visited a friend that lives near the seashore in Porta Rafi.  It takes about 1/2 hour from Athens to get to the water.  It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed walking along the shore and enjoying the sunshine.  I was surprised to see people swimming.  The water was so blue and clear. 

We got Christmas cards yesterday.  Two were from my Relief Society sisters from home, who sent me notes of love and encouragement. It made me very happy.   I didn't know if mail would really make it to us. Christmas was very different this year.  I knew it would be.  We didn't plan on our mission being a vacation and it isn't.   It is work.  Mental and spiritual.  A lot of self talk.  A lot of self evaluation.  A lot of chocolate to see me through the hard stuff.  

 I didn't even miss the snow.  It was a great Christmas because I knew I was where I was supposed to be.  Joyeux Noel.  I don't know Merry Christmas in Greek yet.....next Christmas.